Prime Minister James Marape on February 4, 2025, held a meeting with senior officials from the World Bank. This included, Country Director for PNG and the Pacific Islands Stephen Ndegwa, PNG Country Manager Khwima Nthara, and Lead Economist for Education in East Asia and the Pacific Lars Sondergaard. Also in attendance were Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey, Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, and National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Koney Samuel. Discussions focused on two major development initiatives: the New Country Partnership Framework (2025–2031) and the Learning Enhancement & Access Project, both of which align with the government’s broader vision for economic growth, education reform, and social transformation. The New Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2025–2031 was a central topic of discussion, as it sets out key priority areas for development collaboration between Papua New Guinea and the World Bank over the next six years. The CPF is designed to address critical economic and infrastructure challenges, with a focus on four key outcome areas: • Increased private investment to create more and better jobs • Improved infrastructure connectivity to link communities to essential services • Enhanced human capital outcomes through better health and education systems • Strengthened macroeconomic management and institutional governance The CPF aims to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term economic growth by fostering investment, enhancing infrastructure development, and strengthening financial systems. The meeting also focused on education reform through the Learning Enhancement & Access Project, an initiative led by the National Department of Education. This project is designed to improve access to quality education, particularly in rural and underserved communities, while addressing critical gaps in literacy, numeracy, and teacher capacity. PM Marape reiterated his commitment to making teachers among the highest-paid professionals in the country, recognizing that investing in educators is fundamental to national development. Discussions emphasized: • The need for competitive teacher salaries to attract and retain top talent • Addressing low literacy and numeracy rates, with over 70% of primary students struggling with basic skills • Strengthening curriculum development and teacher training programs • Expanding education infrastructure to improve school accessibility “As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, both the Country Partnership Framework and the Learning Enhancement & Access Project are viewed as strategic initiatives to drive national transformation. “The government is committed to ensuring that investments in education, infrastructure, and economic stability contribute to long-term prosperity. The meeting reinforced the strong partnership between PNG and the World Bank, with a shared commitment to economic growth, education reform, and national development. The government will continue working closely with development partners to implement policies that create jobs, strengthen education, and improve infrastructure for all Papua New Guineans,” Mr. Marape said.